Apple HQ worker murdered girl, 2, by driving his car at 100mph in 30mph zone and crashing it, prosecutors say

Sign up for our US Editor's Picks newsletter for the best exclusive stories READ: Exiled Kimberly Guilfoyle emerges on US soil and is staying with her ex Published: 14:07 EST, 11 November 2026 | Updated: 14:27 EST, 11 November 2026 A worker at Apple's headquarters in California has been charged with murder after allegedly crashing into a car that was carrying a two-year-old girl who later died from her injuries. Eric Chen Su, 38, was arrested on Friday, initially on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, after detectives responded to a crash at an intersection in Cupertino near Apple Park. On Tuesday his charges were upgraded to murder. Deputies rushed to the scene on Friday afternoon during the lunch rush hour and discovered a woman and child suffering from severe injuries inside a Chevy, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. The child, later identified as Riley Kathryn Howard, died despite life-saving efforts from first responders. Su was by himself in a Toyota Camry and suffered minor injuries. He was treated at a hospital and discharged before his arrest. 'When the two cars collided, the Chevy Trax burst into flames,' sheriff's office spokesperson Brooks Jarosz told reporters. Jarosz added that the damage made the family's car unrecognizable, but deputies were able to recover Su's vehicle to investigate how fast his car was driving at the time of the crash. Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker told local ABC affiliate KGO that the speedometer in Su's vehicle appeared to be frozen at 100mph, about three times the speed limit, when he allegedly rear-ended the car. Riley Kathryn Howard, 2, died in a car crash on Friday near Apple Headquarters in California Riley, pictured bottom right with her family, was with her babysitter during the crash. Picture source: Support Now Witnesses said the car caught fire and bystanders helped pull Riley and her babysitter out of the vehicleInvestigators have also alleged that Su did not hit the brakes before the collision. 'Unquestionably, murder was the appropriate charge,' Baker said. Riley was in the car with her babysitter at the time of the crash. Witnesses told KGO that bystanders rushed to the vehicle after it caught fire to rescue Riley and the driver. Su appeared at Santa Clara County Criminal Court on Tuesday and was hit with an official murder charge. Baker said he was in a wheelchair but otherwise uninjured. It is unclear what Su's position was at Apple. He is currently in custody and has yet to enter a plea. The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Investigators have asked anyone with information to contact the sheriff's office. 'This is a heartbreaking tragedy for everyone affected,' Captain Neil Valenzuela said. 'Our thoughts are with the child's family and loved ones as they navigate an unimaginable loss.' The San Jose community has launched an online fundraiser to raise money for Riley's family after the child's death. The community has launched an online fundraiser to support Riley's family after her sudden death Investigators said Eric Chen Su allegedly crashed into the vehicle at four times the posted speed limit The crash happened near Apple Park in Cupertino, California (file photo)The Santa Clara County Firefighters said Riley's mom, Alaina, was a part of their 'County Fire family.' 'No family should ever have to endure a loss like this. Our members have spent their careers showing up for this community in its hardest moments. Now we ask the community to show up for one of our own,' the firefighters wrote online with a link to the fundraiser. Community members have sent condolences and support to the family online, with one writing in the comments: 'Thank you for supporting them [heart emoji] They are some of the sweetest people I know.'Su is scheduled to appear back in court on November 30. The Daily Mail has reached out to the sheriff's office and district attorney for more information. The Daily Mail has also reached out to Apple for comment. Su could not be reached for comment.